Talking about poop might feel uncomfortable, but doctors say it’s a vital health check. Dr Stuart Arbuckle, from The Village Medical Practice, joined Tim on Table Talk to explain why keeping an eye on your bowel movements can save your life.

Why Poop Matters

“Poop can be the first clue to serious illness,” says Dr Arbuckle. Persistent changes may indicate health problems that need attention. Many people ignore changes or hide their bowel screening kits in a drawer. But screening is one of the best tools to detect bowel cancer early. “Bowel cancer is the second biggest killer in Australia, but also one of the most treatable if we catch it early,” Dr Arbuckle explains.

Know What’s Normal for You

Normal looks different for everyone. Some people go three times a day, while others only three times a week. The key is to notice changes. “If you’re usually once a day and suddenly it’s every four to five days, that matters,” says Dr Arbuckle.

Doctors often use the Bristol Stool Chart to track consistency, from rabbit droppings to loose stools. The goal is the “Goldilocks zone” smooth and well-formed.

Watch for Warning Signs

Changes in colour can be important. Brown shades are typical, but red, black, or persistent changes need medical attention.

“Blood in the stool is what we worry about,” says Dr Arbuckle. While hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, persistent blood may signal something more serious.

Other red flags include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Constant tiredness
  • Abdominal pain

Lifestyle and Gut Health

Diet, hydration, and movement play a big role in bowel health. “We should be drinking at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily,” says Dr Arbuckle. Exercise also keeps the bowels moving.

Limiting processed meats, eating more fibre, and responding when your body tells you to go are simple but effective habits.

The Importance of Screening

For Australians aged 50 to 74, free bowel screening kits arrive in the mail. Many people ignore them, but Dr Arbuckle urges action.

“Nobody wants to play with poo, but this test saves lives every day,” he says. “I’ve seen it transform lives by catching cancer early.”

Listen to the full conversation below.